Aizawl, Nov 19: Militants today abducted three candidates and set off bomb blasts raising concerns over peaceful conduct of polling as Mizoram goes to polls tomorrow to elect a new 40-member assembly capping a low-key campaign. A total of 192 candidates are in fray in the polls with ruling Mizo National Front (MNF) contesting in 39 constituencies and main opposition Congress fielding candidates in all the 40 seats.

MPC-ZNP combine has put up candidates in 36 constituencies and is supporting four candidates belonging to smaller and ethnic-based parties in south Mizoram's undivided Chhimtuipui district. With no major issues except for the controversy over the voting rights of BRU tribals getting highlighted, campaigning was low-key and confined to charges and counter-charges on corruption and development.

Chief Minister Zoramthanga, former Chief Minister and Pradesh Congress Committe (PCC) Chief Lal Thanhawla and other leaders like Mizoram People's Conference (MPC) Chief and opposition leader Lalhmingthanga and Zoram Nationalist Party (ZNP) president Lalduhawma are contesting from two constituencies each.

State joint chief electoral officer C Lalchhuana told that election machinery was fully geared for the polls. Aizawl superintendent of police I T Hrangchal said elaborate security arrangements have been made for free and fair elections and 15 companies of central para-military force were deployed in addition to the state police force.

Bureau Report